The round of thirty-two started at around 11 o'clock for Natalie. There seemed to be a mix up on the coin toss, the coin had a H on one side and a T on the other. When the opponent was calling it in the air, she noticed the letters and didn't understand the coin. But after a short explanation and a few giggles the match was on the way.
Natalie took control early and went up 2-1. Then down 2-3. Then up 4-3. Then down 4-5. Then up 6-5. Then to a breaker. Going up quick in the breaker and in full control Natalie won the breaker and set 7-5(4). Going up in the second brought attention to her opponent's lack of effort or possible problem with an injury. Seemed as though she stopped using her legs in the serve and running down some of the points. Not sure what was going on, but Natalie kept up the pressure and cruised into victory lane winning the second set 6-1. Onto the round of 16 with that win! Woot!
The opponent for tomorrow's 10 o'clock match is Madison Brengle (USA). She is the second third seed. Natalie and Madison played each other in Yakima in 2012, one of Nat's first pro matches. Madison is one of the most crafty players on tour, I really enjoy watching her. This round of 16 match will be good tennis amongst friends, which always a great match.
A little "soapbox" side note......dear tennis parents.....please, please, please....represent yourself and your player well. Witnessed a horrible example of a tennis parent today, embarrassed for her and her player. A reputation is a terrible thing to waste, so is a first impression. Sooo sad indeed!
Time to put this blog entry to bed and me tooo....yea ...yea....it's only 7:25 p.m. but.....I'm still recovering from my recent surgery.....so have a lil excuse! Love and Blessings......Sherry!
